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Paneer Jalebi & Khoya Samosas: Go Back To Old Delhi For These 9 Epic Things Near Jama Masjid

It’s no secret that old Delhi’s got eateries with some of city’s best grub. Aromatic biryanis, succulent kebabs and sweet, sweet Shahi Tukda are all reasons why a trip to this crowded part of town never seemed that big a deal. Even as we started compiling a list of 10 epic eateries near Jama Masjid, we couldn’t help but make a mental note to plan a food trail with our friends soon.

Butter Chicken at Aslam Chicken

Aslam’s tender butter-y chicken, slow-roasted to perfection, has made this place an institution. With more than a decade’s experience in serving hungry dilliwalahs, if there are any guys in city you need to trust with your chicken {hey, not everyone can get it right} it is Aslam’s. Paneer gravy {here’s looking at you, vegetarians} and Fish Tikka are some other dishes these veterans are getting right.

Paneer Jalebi & Khoya Samosa at Kallan Sweets

Love all things sweet? This shop that has been getting Paneer Jalebis, Gajar ka Halwa and Phirni right for more than 70 years is just the place for you. They’ve even got snacks like Keema Samosa, Khoya Samosa and pakore, all of which are prepared fresh every few hours because well, they’re sold out quickly.

Shahi Tukda at Cool Point

In keeping with its name, Cool Point serves the most refreshing Lassi, Badaam Milk and Kulfi Faluda but it is for their Shahi Tukda that they’re best known. We never thought that deep-fried bread, soaked in cream, sugar syrup and cardamom could taste this good, until we came across this eatery. In summer, they serve it with a special mango ice cream which we wouldn’t mind OD-ing on.

Chicken Changezi at Al Jawahar

A visit to Jama Masjid for us has always meant lunch at Al Jawahar and while we stick to our regular order of roomali roti and Chicken Changezi, their tandoori chicken and Kaleji Gurda are worth a shot too. Be prepared to wait for your food though, but when it does arrive, you’ll leave a happy soul.

Nihari at Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale

Nihari in Delhi? Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale, established in 1957, is one of the best places in the city for the same. Here’s where you can get tender, falling-off-the-bones meat in a flavourful gravy, and while they also do chicken and fish dishes, it is for their Nihari that people start queuing up at six in the morning.

Kebabs at Qureshi Kebab Corner

Qureshi Kebab, right opposite Jama Masjid Gate No. 1, does the most succulent kebabs smeared with some butter, served with onions and a drizzle of lemon. While the eatery might not be the most hygienic-looking one, it does serve stellar kebabs that melt in the mouth, and in fact, the very thought of this makes us want to plan a trip to old Delhi now!

Black Jalebi at Sultan Ji Sweets & Snacks

Sultan Ji Sweets is the only place in Delhi that serves mawa jalebis aka black jalebis. If you’re someone who loves both Gulab Jamun and jalebi, this sweet shop’s Black Jalebi {a love-child of the two} is something that you’ll definitely go back home thinking about. So, to be on the safe side, pack some for home too {don’t underestimate what 30 seconds in the microwave can do}.

Desi Fried Chicken at Haji Mohd. Hussain

In the mood for desi fried chicken? Head straight to Haji Mohd. Hussain for stellar fried chicken in different cuts and sizes. They’ve also got fish fry and all the fried goodness here comes sprinkled with a spicy, yellow-coloured masala onion and masala chutney.

Mutton Korma at Karim's

We admit that the quality of food at Karim’s has come down over the years, but it’s still a legendary outlet that deserves a mention. This eatery makes appetising dishes like Mutton Jorma and Chicken Jahangiri that any carnivore would love to devour, especially with the softest of naans that Karim’s has to offer. Be sure to finish your meal here with their perfectly sweet Phirni.